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LGBTQ kids are not LGBTQ kids, just kids. Gay or straight, anyone fat or thin, anyone black or white. All just humans. I try not to stereotype anymore. I love the post. Thanks for sharing Treena

Gassho,
Alex

Yes, good point Alex. Personally, I try to stay away from labels as well. However, in regards to this topic, I think the only reason for the "label" is because these groups of children are being oppressed so much and yeah, they need all the help, love, and support we can give them.

Gay or straight, anyone fat or thin, anyone black or white. All just humans. I try not to stereotype anymore.

Perhaps we should also refrain from calling someone "straight" as opposite to gay.
What is straight's opposite? Curved? Crooked? Twisted? Are gays so?
Or is it just we are so used to conventions and moral/religious messages that have unknowingly incorporated them?

Perhaps we should also refrain from calling someone "straight" as opposite to gay.

Ironically, "straight" was a term originally used by the gay community, in reference to 'ex-gay' men pursuing the "straight and narrow" path. In a sense, it was a term of derision, somewhat like "straight-laced" or "square". It later lost this more specific meaning and became adopted as a synonym for any heterosexual person, male or female. I think it's a pretty neutral term myself, though it can be used to derive derogatory terms like 'bent'.

Ironically, "straight" was a term originally used by the gay community, in reference to 'ex-gay' men pursuing the "straight and narrow" path. In a sense, it was a term of derision, somewhat like "straight-laced" or "square". It later lost this more specific meaning and became adopted as a synonym for any heterosexual person, male or female. I think it's a pretty neutral term myself, though it can be used to derive derogatory terms like 'bent'.

I wonder if our Sangha might arrange an LGBTQ group within the Community, and how best that can be set up and hosted? If someone would like to undertake the task of facilitating and organizing such a group, please PM me. I think it actually long overdue around here.

I wonder if our Sangha might arrange an LGBTQ group within the Community, and how best that can be set up and hosted? If someone would like to undertake the task of facilitating and organizing such a group, please PM me. I think it actually long overdue around here.

Gassho, Jundo

May I burp in the church on this? I don't care who someone loves, only that they are loving. The thought of a sub-group defined by sexual orientation seems.. separating ..to me. I guess there are issues, social stresses that LGBTQ people face that hetro people don't (though honestly aren't humans on a spectrum and not cut and dry like that?), and mutual support is good, I just hope it doesn't lead to a limitation on how we relate to each other.

May I burp in the church on this? I don't care who someone loves, only that they are loving. The thought of a sub-group defined by sexual orientation seems.. separating ..to me. I guess there are issues, social stresses that LGBTQ people face that hetro people don't (though honestly aren't humans on a spectrum and not cut and dry like that?), and mutual support is good, I just hope it doesn't lead to a limitation on how we relate to each other.

Gassho
Daizan

Hi Daizan,

There seem to be at least two views on such places. One is like yours, that suffering is suffering and there is not need to separate into smaller groups. Another is that people from various backgrounds find safety and sharing when in communion with people from like background. So, I am just offering a welcoming place, and I will leave it to the consensus whether folks feels it is needed. If some people want such a gathering for people with something to share, than why not have such a gathering? This may be especially true for individuals who have faced special issues of identity amid the larger society. There is a certain power in simply being together, and then also a time for being with the rest of the Sangha too, all as one. A time for both.

May I burp in the church on this? I don't care who someone loves, only that they are loving. The thought of a sub-group defined by sexual orientation seems.. separating ..to me. I guess there are issues, social stresses that LGBTQ people face that hetro people don't (though honestly aren't humans on a spectrum and not cut and dry like that?), and mutual support is good, I just hope it doesn't lead to a limitation on how we relate to each other.

Gassho
Daizan

It should be a place where people with common issues can help and support each other. In a group like this, if you have a similar issue, you know that you'll be able to find someone who can help you who may have gone through a similar issue before. Asking for help from a mainstream group can be dangerous for people who identify non-mainstream. Of course, in the sangha you expect that everybody will be welcoming, but people can be unintentionally un-welcoming.